Six Corners Association has partnered with Active Transportation Alliance to garner feedback about the Irving Park bus service as it affects our residents and our community. After more than 300 of you shared your experience with bus reliability and transit usage via our online survey, we hosted a race from Six Corners to the Irving Park Blue line and back to see how long it actually takes via each mode of transportation during rush hour traffic.

To see the results of the race and to learn more about this project as well as our ongoing efforts, please watch our video!

The senior living component at the Point at Six Corners development proposal has changed since the community meeting this past summer. Based on community feedback and guidance from Alderman Arena, Ryan Companies reduced the total number of units and modified the unit mix to include more independent living units and less assisted living units. The total project size will decrease from 265 units to 248 units, and the affordable housing will increase by two units. The evolution of the unit mix has been in response to community concerns about economic impact, and they believe this final unit mix addresses those concerns.

The grocer-anchored retail component remains unchanged, and Clark Street Real Estate is finalizing plans with Aldi, consistent with the design and site configuration presenting to the community this past summer.

In addition, Ryan continues to have conversations with several key community stakeholders including Six Corners Association's Design Committee to gain input to public spaces, amenities, bike and pedestrian safety, public art and place-making as well as the Northwest Portage Walking Museum and the Chicago Public Art Group to consider opportunities for collaboration. Ryan and Clark Street have filed their Planned Development amendment application with the city and expect to be on the January 24th meeting of the Plan Commission.

Six Corners Association is a community economic development non-profit that fosters the development of a thriving commercial district and follows the National Main Street Approach to Community Revitalization. This centers around Transformation Strategies which are articulated, focused, deliberate paths to strengthening a commercial district's economy. These strategies are organized around the four points of Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.

For The Best of Six Corners Awards 2018, Six Corners Association recognized four businesses who were nominated by their peers for exhibiting excellence across these four points. Additionally, a Six Corners 'MVP' was chosen.

Design Award: Matt Saccaro, frunchroom

4042 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The 2018 Six Corners Design Award is presented to a business or property at Six Corners that exhibits excellence in facade design, visual merchandising, overall curb appeal, and/or a new and improved look.

From its clever name play on Chicago’s linguistic history to its cohesive design, color, and branding, this business transformed a long-empty storefront into a quaint yet modern take on a classic urban deli offering an expansive mix and match menu made from scratch. Walking through the front door feels like coming home.

Promotion Award: Marci Berner, Tatas Tacos4929 W. Irving Park Rd.

The 2018 Six Corners Promotion Award is presented to a business or property at Six Corners that exhibits excellence and imagination in promotion, marketing, special events, social media, and elevating the profile of the Six Corners Shopping District.

To take a dark stretch of sidewalk and turn it into a vibrant, lively corridor is no small feat, but the owners of this business have spun every difficulty and challenge into a cheeky marketing opportunity making many “amigos” along the way.

Economic Vitality Award: Shanna and Gus Karamaniolas, Fischman Public House

4058 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The 2018 Six Corners Economic Vitality Award is presented to a business or property at Six Corners that exhibits excellence in the redevelopment of the commercial district through a successful build out or remodel, new opening or reopening of a business, rehab of a building or exceptional dedication by a property owner.

Fischman's deserves acknowledgment for their perseverance alone. The signing of their lease propelled an 8-storefront building with 7 vacancies to full capacity. They took on a project of epic proportions by rehabbing and redesigning four storefronts while completely redeveloping a family business. Their story is our story and speaks to the importance of keeping locally-owned businesses in our neighborhood and the efforts that we employ to ensure they will always have a place here.

Organization Award: Danny Ehle, Culver's, Six Corners

4939 W. Irving Park Rd.

The 2018 Six Corners Organization award is presented to a business or property at Six Corners that exhibits excellence in community character, has demonstrated a significant contribution to the Six Corners Shopping District, and goes above and beyond in their dedication and enthusiasm to helping better the neighborhood.

This business has been so connected and deeply involved that we can’t believe they opened just this year. With unwavering positivity, a selfless spirit of true generosity, and a strong understanding that businesses only thrive when they’re deeply connected to their community, Danny embodies a true leader. This recipient is someone who walked in to the community, rolled up his sleeves, and asked, “How can I help?”

Skip Black Friday and Cyber Monday and instead #ShopSmall this holiday season! Supporting local businesses keeps money within our community and helps us grow. Besides, we’ve got plenty of options right here!

Leading up to Small Business Saturday— taking place Saturday, November 23— and all the way to Christmas, Six Corners businesses are serving up the coolest deals and holiday offers so that you can not only treat every one of your loved ones, but also yourself!

GIFTS FOR DAD

Gato & Sons Jewelers, 4849 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: 10% off all jewelry & watch repair services

About: Everyone’s father has a drawer full of watches that they can’t wear for one reason or another. Why buy them a brand new watch when you can get their favorite ones fixed! Owners Jose & Alex have operated this shop for decades and can meet all your jewelry and watch repair needs.

Jesse’s Barbershop, 4851 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Haircut package, gift set included

About: “We are unique in the sense that we provide an atmosphere and service from days gone by.” says owner Jesse. The instant you walk in their men’s only barbershop, you’ll see exactly what he means. With classic black and white tiling, and chairs that’ll make you feel like you’re in an old timey movie, Jesse’s Barbershop is a father’s favorite.

Mobile Audio & Alarm, INC., 4101 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Gift certificates available to purchase favorites such as like their Remote Start auto installation service

About: Mobile Audio & Alarm is pleased to offer same day service and service while you wait 7 days a week. How much would your father enjoy being able to start his car from inside the house and have those seat warmers going before he even gets out into the Chicago snow? This is a wonderful gift.

Wildlight Yoga, 4140 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: 3 months of unlimited yoga for $400

About: “We are an adventure-inspired yoga studio offering 35 yoga classes per week,” says owner Kelli Wefenstette. Think that a yoga studio isn’t a very masculine space? That doesn’t matter here at Wildlight Yoga, where travel and a spirit of adventure are at the heart of all of their practices. So men, feel WELCOME here, because you absolutely are.

Culver's, 4939 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Buy one get one free Double Butterburger

About: “We serve Butterburgers and frozen custards with outstanding Midwestern hospitality,” says owner Danny Ehle. Never had one of Culver’s frozen custards? It doesn’t MATTER what the season is- your dad is sure to enjoy this meal.

Fischman Public House, 4058 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Gift certificates available

About: “We are a family-owned business that takes pride in being involved in our community through special events and local business collaborations,” says co-owner Shanna Karamaniolas. A gift certificate to Fischman's means your dad can stock up on the local brews he loves best.

GIFTS FOR MOM

Distinct Bath and Body, 4046 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Gift Trio Sets available for purchase.

About: “We offer handcrafted soaps and other all natural bath and body essentials,” says co-owner and soap craftsman Sam. Distinct offers everything from soap bars to shampoo bars to bath bombs and all of their products are made to be as friendly to different skin types as possible. If you have any questions about what goes into their products, their detailed ingredient labels are helpful, but Sam and his staffmembers can be even more friendly and helpful!

Edible Arrangements, 4333 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Buy one get one free dipped fruit boxes.

About: “We make fresh fruit arrangements and dipped fruit boxes for all occasions,” says Anita Bustos of Edible Arrangements. We’ve seen firsthand how beautiful their arrangements are, but better than that- they’re DELECTABLE!

Fly Girl Dance & Fitness, 5525 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Unlimited 30 day membership $59 for new member (regularly $99)

About: “We are all about #GirlPower - women supporting women!” says Kymberlee Kaye Raya, owner of Fly Girl Dance. She is one of the most vibrant and energetic people we’ve ever met, and her teachers and trainers embody that very spirit. Fly Girl has become a real place for female togetherness and empowerment, as well as a wellspring of community involvement. A membership will get you much more than just fitness classes; it’ll also get you friendships!

The Beauty Crew, 4048 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: $30 Mini Facials

About: “Permanent makeup is our focus, but we also offer creative hair styling and stunning makeup applications. Our space feels more like a ladies lounge than a traditional salon. We are music lovers and positive “vibers”, so it’s not unusual for our clients to become our friends,” says Lisa Pizzello, owner of The Beauty Crew. The Beauty Crew definitely employs a ‘give a person a fish’ mentality, offering a variety of beauty services, as well as instructive workshops and full courses at their Beauty Crew Academy.

The Yoga Shop, 3880 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: One month of unlimited yoga for $50

About: “We are a community-based independent yoga studio,” says James Cogan, owner of The Yoga Shop. They offer a number of hip yoga classes such as warm & hot sessions, restorative, and vinyasa flows. The Yoga Shop was one of the pioneers of yoga on the northwest side of Chicago, so they’re pretty important to us!

About: “Everything is made in house. We make our tacos fresh - they are cooked to order. Most specially, we make our tortillas by hand,” says Marci Berner, owner of Tatas Tacos. Marci and her team are dedicated to providing the most innovative slate of tacos on the northwest side and to that vision, they recently released a huge new menu of tasty offerings. Believe us when we say, your mom’s going to love being treated to some Tatas!

TREAT YOURSELF

Brother’s Hair Design, 4902 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: $2 off a haircut

About: “We’ve offered 25 years of professional haircuts and great styles. We also specialize in fixing bad haircuts from other barbershops,” says Baker Shakar. That last piece- that might be especially helpful to you. But, in general, Brother’s just updated all of their equipment and supplies and they are your place to go to treat yourself during your holiday shopping or in preparation for your festivities.

About: Luxe Blue is a cute boutique that offers custom facials and peels for all skin types. They also specialize in laser hair removal and nail services. Talk about treating yourself! Get your nails done, get your face peeled, and be glowing and ready for your holiday festivities with Luxe’s professional team of experts.

Prism Optical Chicago, 3594 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Free anti-reflective upgrade on all lenses purchased including 1-year scratch guard warranty at no additional cost. Some restrictions apply.

About: “What sets us apart is our specialized optical service, attention to details and our on-site optical lab technician with over 30 years of experience. We have been family owned since 1991,” says Darlene of Prism Optical. We’re all always putting off getting ourselves new glasses- why don’t you upgrade this holiday season and enter 2019 as your most fashionable, four-eyed self yet?

Today's Avon, 4057 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Spend $40 and get a special Avon gift box for $10.

About: “We have a wide selection of items for skin care. There is no need to wait for shipping as items are ready to be purchased and go home with you on the same day. Products are also available for testing,” says Rossy, longtime owner of Today’s Avon. Walking into the shop will be a treat in itself, as even in these dreary winter days, the shop is bright and cheery. Owner Rossy is extremely friendly and helpful and in addition to giving you tips on the best gifts in the shop, she can tell you what you need to up your skincare game.

SoundBite Coffee, 4255 N. Knox Ave.

Offer: We will offer 10% off all our 12 oz. coffees including the world-famous blends: Unicorn Blood, Get the F*ck Out of Bed, Machete (barrel aged), Giant Steps, and A Love Supreme

About: Professional music and film/video ecosystem SoundBite Coffee offers real deal classic subs, totally from scratch Sicilian Schiacciata, salads and snacks alongside their coffee. They feature local vendors and many Chicago-based brands. Their Astoria espresso machine is custom-painted by Jason Brammer and it brews Unicorn Blood beautifully! Head over here to get out of the cold and treat yourself to some delicious (and eclectically titled) coffee.

Shilas, 3938 N. Cicero Ave.

Offer: One free drink (must mention this ad in gift guide)

About: “Shila’s offers fresh food—never frozen—and all natural and organic ingredients. All orders are prepared to order every day. Customers are treated with the highest priority and with a personalized experience,” says Manny Romero of Shilas. What we know you should treat yourself to, though, is their fluffy French toast. But you really can’t go wrong with a Shilas brunch.

STOCKING STUFFERS

Collectiv, 5743 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Box of holiday candles for $18

About: “Collectiv is a carefully curated collection of local artists, crafters, designers, and makers. From unique jewelry to handcrafted candles, you can surely find something for everyone. We have new products arriving monthly from various local artisans and makers, so you’ll always find something new, plus a few vintage items!” says Lilia of Collectiv. She’s pretty much summed it up, but we’ll add that we appreciate Collectiv’s emphasis on Chicago-made products. That’s what we’re all about, after all!

Community Tavern, 4038 N. MIlwaukee Ave.

Offer: Buy $100 in gift cards, receive 10% off from November 23rd - December 24th. Available in-store or on our website www.communitytavern.com

About: “We are a New American restaurant owned and operated by husband and wife team, Joey & Brenna Beato. Our dream has always been to run our very own elevated 'mom & pop' restaurant in the neighborhood we call home. Chef Joey combines seasonal, local midwestern ingredients with pan-Asian influences,” says co-owner Brenna Beato. We can attest to the fact that Community Tavern does a lot to support their ideals of community involvement. It doesn’t hurt that their seasonal menus are delicious and the ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting. Get those stocking stuffer gift cards and treat yourself to some grub while you’re at it!

Fearless Cooking, 4501 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Stocking Stuffer Special - We'll hand you a stocking when you walk in, and everything you can fit in it will be 15% off! Fill out a Courage Cash card to enter to win a $50 gift certificate!

About: Fearless Cooking is currently operating a holiday pop-up full of unique, cooking-related tools and gifts including cookware, tools, gourmet foods, and cards. Their huge, sunlit space is filled of the highest-quality, expertly curated cookware and gifts. You’ll be sure to find items that mean something to everyone on your shopping list (and yourself)!

frunchroom, 4042 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Pizza night Thursdays, 5-9pm and gift cards available for the holidays

About: “We make 99% of the menu in-house, from scratch! That includes smoking + curing meats, culturing cheeses + sauerkraut, pickling vegetables, baking pastries, making bagels, hand tossing pizza, and more,” say Stephanie & Matt of frunchroom. They are one of the most interesting and eclectic restaurants in our area, constantly putting on food-themed events such as their Thursday Pizza Nights, which have morphed into Thursday Pizza & Pasta Nights and feature a new menu every week of handmade pizzas and pastas.

Chicago Taco Authority, 4219 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Any purchase of $20 receives a choice of free chips and salsa bar or house-made flan

About: While shopping for stocking stuffers, why not stop in to Chicago Taco Authority for a meal with your friends and family? Chicago Taco Authority serves traditional and gourmet tacos with a fun concept using city and transit decor! Owner Jose Bustos employs his mother as a chef in order to preserve the authenticity of the dishes he enjoyed when he was growing up.

THE GIFT OF NEW EXPERIENCES

Chicago Sip & Paint, 4412 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Buy one get one half off on any of our public classes

About: “We host fun and memorable BYOB paint and sip events. Book our private room for your upcoming holiday party, corporate event, ladies night, birthday celebration, etc. and pick your own date/time, painting selection, and music playlist,” says owner Lily Miteva. Even if you think you’re a terrible artist, Sip & Paint will help you find the artist within you. It might just be the bubbly talking, but we’d like to think that the alcohol is just helping us dip into our confidence!

ERIS Brewery and Ciderhouse, 4240 W. Irving Park Rd.

Offer: Purchase $100 in gift cards and receive an extra $25 gift card

About: “We are the first brewery and ciderhouse completely run by women in the state of Illinois,” says co-owner Michelle Foik. This giant brewery and ciderhouse offers very experimental and award-winning beers & ciders, including their interesting group of CPAs: cider pale ales, which are a specially brewed cider-IPA concoction. If that isn’t a new drinking experience, we don’t know what is!

Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Offer: Use Code SIXCORNERS to receive 30% off tickets for performances of The Snow Queen on Nov 24th

About: “We create immersive & site-specific theatre for young people and their communities,” says director Christian Libonati. Filament Theatre is not only one of our most community-involved businesses, they also constantly have the most interesting shows and interactive experiences we’ve ever seen. A ticket to one of their performances doesn’t just mean you sitting quietly in the audience, watching in silence. It more often than not means you are participating in some way, you’re laughing out loud, you’re on your feet! It’s definitely a new show-watching experience.

Fannie's Cafe, 5044 W. Montrose Ave.

Offer: 20% off all holiday orders placed on Small Business Saturday

About: “We offer food and baked goods made from scratch that taste just like home. We’re the coziest atmosphere in town and THE place for holiday treats and gifts,” says owner Stephanie Rybandt. Everything from the piano to the dark wooden chairs to the moist muffins make Fannie’s an extension of your own home. Come by during your shopping and settle down for a nice serving of something sweet and warm.

Six Corners will welcome (11) new businesses by the end of 2018 to locations on all three arterial streets: Milwaukee, Cicero, and Irving Park Rd. Please help us welcome and support them as they work through the process of permitting, build out, and licensing in order to open their doors!

America's Best Eye Glasses, Milwaukee + Cuyler, is a discount provider of eye examinations, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. The business will open this fall (date pending) in the space formerly occupied by Dollar Tree and Subway. For more information, click here.

Audia, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. #302, is a talented visual artist shooting projects from art to fashion to portraits and commercial work. Paul possesses a unique vision, brings technical mastery, and genuine spontaneity to every shoot. He has begun working out of Collaborative Six Corners. For more information, click here.

The Art House Gallery, 4910 W. Irving Park Rd., will open its doors to the public on July 28th, 3-7pm, for the newest exhibit FORMATION featuring recent work from John Collins, Jan Fayhee, Ken Hogrefe, Daniel Martin Sullivan, Steven Thayer Graham, and Steven Tritt. Paintings, mixed-media and works on paper represented by The Art House Gallery is curated by Director Rebecca George. For more information, click here. To RSVP for the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening, click here.

Concordia Day School, 3696 N. Milwaukee Ave., is now enrolling infants through 5 years at its Old Irving Park location scheduled to open late summer. Weekly tours begin on July 10th: Tuesdays from 10-11am and Thursdays from 4-5:30pm. Get $500 off tuition if your child begins by October 1, 2018.

Collaborative Six Corners, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. #302, joins the Portage Arts Lofts as a coworking studio for creatives. Members have access to micro-offices and shared work space as well as a community meeting space meets rehearsal space meets studio for photographers and visual creatives. Those interested in membership should contact msussman@sejdev.com.

Junebug Cafe, 4944 W. Irving Park Rd., will open this fall (date pending). Rooted in the rich culinary tradition of northern Louisiana, its menu will focus on speciality coffees and espressos as well as French Creole-inspired bites. They will proudly serve Dark Matter Coffee and make all of their scrumptious food offerings in-house. For more info, click here.

Starbucks, Cicero + Berteau, is currently under construction for its drive-thru coffeehouse location at Cicero and Berteau. For more information, click here.

Veloria Cafe, 3936 N. Cicero Ave., will bring specialty, single origin coffees from around the world and farm to cup education from owners Ron, Vilma, and Deanna who will soon begin transforming the former Villa Roma Hair Designers shop into a fun, creative community space where coffee cultivates personal connection in today's world of social media. They take their coffee seriously -- themselves, not so much!

Verizon Wireless, 4000 N. Cicero Ave., is an American telecommunications company which offers wireless products and services. After The Vitamin Shoppe closes this month, Verizon will begin the build out of its new store at Six Corners. For more info, click here.

Wildlight Yoga, 4140 N. Milwaukee Ave., will open in mid-September. It is an adventure-inspired studio where seekers and finders from the world over are invited to explore yoga as a lifestyle and journey. It will offer 40+ classes per week in Ashtanga, Hatha, Kundalini, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga. Additionally classes will be offered for those seeking a gentle or restorative practice, those just beginning their yoga journey, and those seeking a continuance of their practice while pregnant and post-birth. For more information, click here.

Developments:

Six Corners Association recently met with IRC Retail, owner of Six Corners Plaza at the corner of Cicero Ave. and Milwaukee Ave. Their development team is currently preparing for a complete renovation of the site and expect to announce its tenants in the coming weeks.

Clark Street Real Estate and Ryan Companies presented its proposal for develop of the former Bank of America site located at 4747 W. Irving Park Rd. They are scheduled to present to the Department of Planning and Development this week. Click here for the live video of the public meeting. Questions or comments may be sent to pointatsixcorners@ryancompanies.com.

Sears at Six Corners closed its last Chicago store over the weekend. Tucker Development will lead the redevelopment project of the Sears site. As of present, there are no plans on paper though initial conversation includes mixed-use commercial and redevelopment of the Sears Auto Center property. As the redevelopment of this site unfolds, we will keep you informed. For more information, click here.

Concordia Day School, 3696 N. Milwaukee Ave., is now enrolling infants through 5 years at its Old Irving Park location scheduled to open late summer. Weekly tours begin on July 10th: Tuesdays from 10-11am and Thursdays from 4-5:30pm. Get $500 off tuition if your child begins by October 1, 2018.

James Suh, Owner of Car Care Auto Spa at 3618 N. Cicero, recently celebrated two years of business in Portage Park this past June. They offer $3 off Early Bird Specials M-Th from 8-10am and $3 off on Tuesdays for Ladies Day. For more info, click here.

Six Corners Association is now accepting nominations for the 2018 #THANKSALATTE promotion. Launched in 2016, the Thanks-a-Latte promotional campaign recognizes neighborhood residents, activists, leaders, and stakeholders making a difference in the Six Corners community. Recipients are recognized for taking pride in their property, their block, their community, and their city.

Six Corners Association, a non-profit economic development organization, receives nominations from Association members, community members, property owners, and business owners. Submit a nomination here.

The Yoga Shop things a bit differently. Hard-core yogis will love their challenging classes and thrive in cutting-edge workshops. Newbies will discover yoga in an accessible, nurturing environment. They are fun, non-snooty, and welcoming, regardless of ability or background. Most of all, they are about community. Their studio will be a place to gather and practice warm yoga, gentle yoga and Yoga for Back Care, Yoga Barre, Power Vinyasa, and tons more, even Sunday Ladies Night! All in an inviting space with bamboo floors and abundant natural light. They have been told that they have the best crew of instructors in town.

Six Corners Association launched Social after Six, a monthly pop-up event series, in 2016 as a placemaking effort under Main Street America's mantra of "light, quick, easy." Due to its overwhelming success and how much fun we keep having, we continue this series in direct collaboration with our businesses!

To date, we've played board games in a theater, thrown axes, practiced yoga on a city street and in an empty ball room, learned to make Chicago-style hot dogs, tasted wine, made soap, drank cider, tried glow-in-the-dark zumba, and now danced Bachata!

On June 28th, SCA partnered with Tatas Tacos for a Social after Six: Bachata + Horchata event. Cari Bermudez, an instructor with Fly Girl Dance & Fitness, led attendees in a bachata dance lesson on the southern sidewalk of Irving Park Rd. then everyone was invited to stay and keep dancing while enjoying delicious, fresh homemade horchata from Tatas.

Thank you to all who attended for supporting these two local, independently-owned (by neighborhood residents) businesses and SCA! Also thanks to everyone who stopped to dance, take pictures, and videotape the event. Remember to tag us on instagram @sixcornerschicago or on facebook!

If you or someone you know is looking for full time employment plus benefits, consider applying for the Front Desk Leader position at VIP Dental Lounge at 5120 W Irving Park Road. Training will be provided and a friendly personality is a must! For more info click here.

Looking for a new spot for brunch? Check out Shilas! This neighborhood gem has soon of the best breakfast food! Their most recommended items are their chilaquiles and hang over skillet! Their menu includes a kids menu!

If you need help after injuring yourself on the job and have filed a claim, stop in at Athletico.

They listen carefully to fully evaluate your injury so that they can recommend the best treatment option to get you back to work. As part of your care, they will also teach you safer working habits and help identify potential problems to help you prevent injuries.

Want to learn how to sew and keep sewing? Singer Factory Distributor is hosting a 6-week class that is designed for beginner and intermediate sewers. Classes meet once per week for 2 hours. Call 773-545-6834 to register!